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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Harvey Barnes keeping close eye on Raheem Sterling during first England camp

England newcomer Harvey Barnes is hungry to learn off Raheem Sterling and replicate the Manchester City star's transformation from tricky winger to goal-scoring forward.

Barnes has been called up to the England squad for the first time and the Leicester City winger is hoping to make his debut against Wales on Thursday at Wembley.

The 22-year-old cemented a place in the Leicester first team last season under Brendan Rodgers, scoring seven goals, but he his determined to continue improving.

Barnes wants to add even more goals and assists to his game and, now he is part of the England setup, the youngster is keen to replicate the rise of Sterling – who has scored over 20 goals in each of the past three season.

“You look at how he has progressed as a player, not just with club but on the international stage, it’s certainly something I’m looking at,” said Barnes.

“I want to try and improve and add as much of that to my game as I can. With the goalscoring, as an attacker - especially a wide attacking player - it is important to be creating as many chances and many goals as you can in games.

“Raheem has added that and he is one of the best in the game at it now so for me it’s something I’m looking to improve and keep working on.”

With this being Barnes’ first England call-up, you would have expected him to have some nerves. The winger, however, has leaned on former Three Lions striker and Leicester team-mates Jamie Vardy for advice on how to settle into the squad.

“I spoke to him before I came, he obviously had a great period with England,” Barnes added.

“He just told me to come here and enjoy it and play the football I have been playing at Leicester.

“Of course, he’s been in great form – he’s started the season really well so we can all see he is still a great player.

“I’ve not spoken to him about that (an international return) but I’m sure that will be something he and England might talk about. But for me coming on my first camp he definitely gave me a few little pointers to help me.”

Barnes also thanked Rodgers for helping him earn a call-up and said: “He has helped me tactically. He has been the one who has definitely been pushing me to add goals and to get my stats high throughout the season.”

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